Digital playback device

ABSTRACT

A digital playback device is disclosed for displaying at least a portion of a visual presentation. One described device includes a housing, a display device supported by the housing and a self-contained computer in communication with the display device. The computer is disposed within the housing and positioned relative to the display device to define a thermal airspace between the display device and the computer.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Applicationentitled “Electronic Information Display System,” serial No. 60/327,656,filed Oct. 8, 2001, which is incorporated herein by reference in itsentirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] 1. Field of the Invention

[0003] The present invention relates generally to electronic systemsthat distribute and display visual presentations, and specifically toelectronic information display systems that include arrays of displaydevices that cooperate to provide a unified presentation of variousmedia.

[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art

[0005] Certain methods and systems for producing, distributing anddisplaying visual presentations are well known. Such known methods andsystems include creating, distributing and displaying printed placards,employing stand-alone computers to display pre-programmed presentations,and employing video monitors or video walls to display pre-recorded orstreaming visual presentations. Many of these methods and systems areused at the point-of-purchase in retail environments to influencecustomer purchasing decisions.

[0006] The more traditional process of designing, creating,distributing, and installing printed materials still takes months toaccomplish, while consumer buying trends around the world changevirtually overnight. Furthermore, traditional ink on paper displays canonly present consumers with still, flat images, while at the same time,the electronic and digital revolution has conditioned consumers tonotice and respond to moving images and information displayed in variousmore dynamic electronic formats.

[0007] The use of stand-alone computers and video walls provide a moreanimated presentation, however creation of the visual presentations iscumbersome, as is distribution of the completed presentation.Furthermore, use of such systems is labor intensive and there is limitedcontrol regarding the consistency of displays throughout locations of adistributed organization. Specifically, maintaining the equipmentrequires technical competence and it is difficult to ensure that alllocations are displaying the most up-to-date presentation.

[0008] Given the deficiencies in the art, a need exists for apresentation method and system that ensures presentation consistencybetween locations in a distributed organization. A need further existsfor a presentation system that may be easily maintained by non-technicalpersonnel. Yet another need exists for a method and system that enablesefficient distribution of visual presentations to all locations in adistributed organization. Still another need exists for a scaleablemulti-panel display array that produces a high resolution imageregardless of the display dimensions.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0009] The following presents a simplified summary of the discloseddigital playback device. This summary is not an extensive overview andis not intended to identify key or critical elements of the device or todelineate the scope of the device. It conceptually identifies the devicein a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description thatis presented later.

[0010] According to one aspect of the disclosure, a digital playbackdevice is disclosed. The device includes a housing, a display devicesupported by the housing and a self-contained computer in communicationwith the display device. The computer is disposed within the housing andpositioned relative to the display device to define a thermal airspacebetween the display device and the computer.

[0011] Certain illustrative aspects of the devices are described hereinin connection with the following description and the annexed drawings.These aspects are indicative, however, of but a few of the various waysin which the principles of the devices may be employed and thus theexamples are intended to include such aspects and equivalents. Otheradvantages and novel features may become apparent from the followingdetailed description when considered in conjunction with the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] Comprehension of the invention is facilitated by reading thefollowing detailed description, in conjunction with the associateddrawings, in which:

[0013]FIG. 1A is a schematic block diagram of certain components of anelectronic information display system in accordance with the presentinvention;

[0014]FIG. 1B is a schematic block diagram of certain components of thelocal controller of FIG. 1A in accordance with the present invention;

[0015]FIG. 2 is an exploded view of a digital playback device inaccordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

[0016]FIG. 3A is a front view of a display array in accordance with oneembodiment of the present invention;

[0017]FIG. 3B is an exploded front view of the display array of FIG. 3A;

[0018]FIG. 3C is an exploded front view of the display array of FIG. 3Aillustrating one exemplary heat management system;

[0019]FIG. 3D is an detailed exploded front view of the upper leftsegment of the display array of FIG. 3A;

[0020] FIGS. 4A-4C illustrate various display array configurations inaccordance with the present invention;

[0021]FIG. 5 is an exemplary methodology for distributing data for apresentation in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

[0022]FIGS. 6A and 6B depict an exemplary methodology for synchronizingthe display array in accordance with one embodiment of the presentinvention;

[0023]FIGS. 7A and 7B depict an exemplary methodology for identifyingand processing a digital playback unit failure in accordance with oneembodiment of the present invention; and

[0024]FIGS. 8A and 8B depict an exemplary methodology for identifyingand processing a local controller failure in accordance with oneembodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] Generally, the present invention facilitates creating, editingand distributing visual presentation data for displaying visualpresentations at remote locations on display arrays. Each display arraysis made up of a set of digital playback units or devices (“DPU”)cooperating to provide a unified presentation. As best shown in FIG. 1a,one embodiment of the present invention includes certain basiccomponents that function together as an electronic information displaysystem 100 which may be used to create/edit, distribute and present dataor information in audio/visual form. System 100 is intended to be usedin a retail environment to display point of purchase merchandisingand/or advertising information. System 100 reduces or eliminates theneed for printed advertising to be displayed in a retail establishment.

[0026] System 100 and other systems that embody the present inventionenable efficient and expedient delivery of dynamic advertising and/orother pertinent information to distributed locations. Although theinvention is described with respect to a retail environment, theinvention would also be useful in any application in which informationis presented to a viewer, such as with signage in airports, conventionfacilities, shopping centers/malls, amusement parks, arenas, stadiums,parks, sidewalks and other public places. The invention further would beuseful for displaying movies and/or other entertainment related programmaterial in public or private theaters and/or public or private viewingrooms.

[0027] The invention would be useful in displaying of artwork or otherstatic or motion graphic imagery as may be displayed in homes ormuseums. In addition, the invention would be useful in presentingcorporate video, graphics, and/or other corporate communicationmaterials in corporate offices, manufacturing facilities, warehouses,boardrooms, training rooms, marketing rooms, meeting rooms, lobbies,auditoriums, convention facilities, etc.

[0028] Content Creation

[0029] System 100 includes at least one content creation computer orworkstation 102 which may be used to create and/or edit media to be usedin a show. For purposes of this application, media includes any meansfor transmitting presentation elements, such as streaming digital audioand/or video data, radio frequency television signals and JPEG, GIF,AVI, MPEG, WAV and MP3 data files, for example. A show includes any typeof presentation, such as a 30 second full motion video commercial, astatic sign display, or an audio presentation, for example.

[0030] In the present example, content creation computer 102 may beoperated by an in-house advertising division of a retail chain or anadvertising agency creating content on behalf of the retail chain.Content creation computer 102 may include software for authoring,converting or re-purposing media, and for creating and editing datadefining a show. Content creation computer 102 transmits the media andshow data to a data center 108 for distribution to one or more displaylocations, such as retail outlets 110 and 120.

[0031] The authoring software may be used to create and edit the varioustypes of media that will ultimately be displayed on the individual orarrayed digital playback units. The re-purposing software is capable ofconverting or changing widely used formats of text, graphic images, andother media into shapes and forms that are significantly different fromthe original shape and form of these images. This changing or alteringof images, data, or information is referred to as “re-purposing.” Onepurpose of re-purposing an image is to divide the complete image intoimage subunits that may then be distributed to an array of digitalplayback units preferably by a local controller. Distributing are-purposed image to an array of digital playback units and displayingthe image in synchronization produces the effect of a single graphic orother form of media spanning the multiple screens of the arrayed digitalplayback units.

[0032] For example, an image or graphic has an initial resolution of1024×768 pixels. The system user wishes to alter or “stretch” that imageso that it may be displayed in an array of DPUs consisting of 144screens, 12 screens wide and 12 screens high, each screen having anative resolution of 1024×768 pixels. In order to maintain the clarityof the original image while stretching it to fill 144 screens, the imagemust be re-purposed using the software of the present invention. Theindividual values of the inline pixels are interpolated by there-purposing software component to prevent the image from appearing onlyas large blocks.

[0033] Schedule Management

[0034] System 100 also includes at least one schedule managementcomputer or workstation 104 which may be used to define and manageschedule data indicating dates and times that certain shows are to bepresented on certain display devices. Schedule management computer 104transmits the schedule data to data center 108 for distribution to thedisplay locations. The schedule management computer 104 also receivesaudit data from the data center 108. The audit data may be used by theschedule management computer 104 to update future show schedules.

[0035] Like content creation computer 102, schedule management computer104 may be operated by the owner of the retail chain or a designatedagent, and may include software for defining and managing the schedulingof shows at display locations. Schedule management computer 104 may alsoinclude software analyzing auditing information received from datacenter 108. As with other software applications described herein, theschedule management and audit analysis software may be locally resident,in this case resident on schedule management computer 104, or it may bea client-server application received, for example, over the Internet asa Java or other application.

[0036] Schedule management computer 104 includes schedule managementsoftware for the scheduling playback of various forms of media. Thisfunction allows various advertisements or other visual presentations tobe displayed at predetermined times, in a predetermined order, onpredetermined display arrays, and for predetermined lengths of time. Themanagement subcomponent also permits the addition of new media and theremoval of outdated or otherwise undesirable information.

[0037] Media playback scheduling can be tailored to suit the needs ofthe various merchants or retailers who are utilizing the system of thepresent invention. Media may be scheduled to be played back a singletime on a particular date at a particular time, multiple times onparticular dates and at particular times, or periodically atpredetermined dates and times or intervals (e.g., “every day at 7 AM,”or “on Fridays at 3 PM until Nov. 1, 2001,” or “every two hours,” etc.).Additionally, changing the order and the content of the informationbeing displayed on various display arrays can be done on demand. Thus,the management subcomponent offers maximum flexibility to the users ofthis information display system.

[0038] For example, the owner of a shopping mall installs a largedisplay array and contracts with the merchants or retailers who havebusinesses in the shopping mall for use of the array for purposes ofadvertising the merchant's or retailer's products or services. Thesemerchants and/or retailers may number in the dozens or even hundreds.The schedule management software of the present invention permits eachparticipating merchant to display specific pieces of media at certaintimes for a specific number of days or weeks. The schedule managementsoftware allows the merchants and/or system manager to constantlyinteract with the display array and control what is being displayed onthe array.

[0039] Schedule management computer 104 includes an auditing systemsubcomponent that stores and displays, in written form, the show thathas been or is being displayed on a display array, as well as specificinformation related to the timing of particular shows. This softwarecomponent of the present invention includes an auditing function, whichcan be accessed and viewed from client-accessible web browsers. Resultsof an audit can be downloaded for filing and archiving purposes or maybe automatically e-mailed to clients. This auditing function isparticularly advantageous when cost analysis or cost tracking isimportant to a particular client.

[0040] Service Center

[0041] The system 100 further includes at least one service centercomputer or workstation 106 which may be used to monitor and control thecomponents of the system, such as data center 108, for example. Servicecenter 106 receives diagnostic data from various components of system100 and may use the diagnostic data in determining whether and when totransmit updates, patches or commands to one or more components of thesystem. It should be recognized that the functionality of contentcreation computer 102, schedule management computer 104 and servicecenter 106 may be combined into a single computer or distributed amongmany computers without deviating from the scope of the presentinvention.

[0042] Data Center

[0043] Data center 108 includes a data storage facility for storing themedia, show and schedule data received from computers 102, 104 and 106.Data center 108 may also include software for maintaining the media,show and schedule data. Of course, any software for maintaining the datastored at data center 108 may be browser accessible.

[0044] Data center 108 further includes software for distributing themedia, show and schedule data to one or more controllers, eachresponsible for managing the presentations at a display location, suchas local controllers 112 and 122 which respectively control displaylocations 110 and 120. Data center 108 may include various back upsafeguards, such as uninterruptible power supplies, mirrored drives or aduplicate FTP data center, for example. Such backup safeguards ensureuninterrupted data transmission and retrieval even in the event ofunforeseen occurrences such as natural disasters, power outages, andlocal emergencies. Multiple backup remote database storage anddistribution sites also ensure that the proper bandwidth is maintainedfor expedient transmission of new data.

[0045] Data center 108 may also distribute DPU firmware and softwareupdates automatically; reducing the need for on-site maintenance. Thesoftware embedded on each digital playback unit reports diagnosticinformation back to the service center by means of the local controller,thereby alerting the system administrator (service center) to potentialhardware failures and the need for firmware upgrades. Advantageously,the software of the present invention permits an unlimited number ofredundant (i.e., arrays displaying the same content) DPU sites to beupdated simultaneously through a single management session.

[0046] In one embodiment, data is transmitted to/from system components,such as data center 108, via an Internet connection. Of course, data maybe transmitted via any conventional means, including, for example, aLocal Area Network (“LAN”), a Wide Area Network (“WAN”), a VirtualPrivate Network (“VPN”), a satellite link, a microwave link or anycombination of conventional communication means.

[0047] Display Locations

[0048] Each display location (110 and 120) includes at least one localcontroller (114 and 116) in communication with digital playback units ofat least one display array (114, 116, 124, 126 and 128). The localcontroller manages the media, show and schedule data received from thedata center 108, distributes real-time information to each digitalplayback unit within a display array, generates synchronization timestamps and reports status, usage and other diagnostic information todata center 108 for further reporting to schedule management computer104 and service center computer 106.

[0049] Referring now to FIG. 1B, a more detailed view of displaylocation 110 is depicted. Display location 110 includes a localcontroller 112 and two display arrays 114 and 116. The display area ofdisplay array 114 is divided into a 2×3 array of six (6) segments. Eachsegment of the display area is provided by a separate digital playbackunit, specifically DPU's 132, 134, 136, 138, 140 and 142. The displayarea of display array 116 is divided into a 1×4 array of four (4)segments. Each segment of the display area is provided by a separatedigital playback unit, specifically DPU's 150, 152, 154, and 156.

[0050] Local Controller

[0051] In the illustrated embodiment, local controller 112 is acomputing device employing networking hardware and software forreceiving and transmitting information to other components within system100. Local controller 112 preferably serves as a network router and aDPU controller. As a network router, local controller 112 managescommunication between the Internet or other external network connectionand the local area network, which connects the digital playback units inone or more particular arrays. The local controller allows the servicecenter to communicate with the individual digital playback units andallows the individual digital playback units to provide information tothe service center.

[0052] Local controller 112 includes significant solid state and/orrotating storage, and distributes media, show and schedule data receivedfrom data center 108 to display arrays 114 and 116. To support thefunctionality described throughout this application, local controller112 may include the following software sub-components:

[0053] Remote Access Client—Software component enabling remotecommunication with data center 108.

[0054] Sign Management File—A file that resides on the local controller,which indicates the time and duration that a particular show should bepresented. The show data may also include instructions regarding how torespond to external events and failure mode response information.

[0055] Self Discovery Assist/Assignment Module—Software enabling and/orassisting a DPU to determine the geometry of an associated displayarray.

[0056] Show and Scheduling distribution Module—Software componentresponsible for delivering media, show and schedule information to allassociated DPU's.

[0057] System Health and Diagnostic Module—Software that monitors andtracks the overall health of the system by issuing and responding tosimple networking commands.

[0058] Wide Area Network Gateway Manager—Software enabling direct accessto the individual DPU's from data center 108, service center 106 orother component for diagnostic and maintenance services.

[0059] Brightness Equalization Calculator Module—Software thatcalculates the optimal brightness for a particular sign based uponsystem and/or external data.

[0060] Display Consistency Module—Software that manages and adjustsDPU's within a display array to provide a more consistent presentation.

[0061] Show audit manager—Software that makes a log of all showspresented at the display location.

[0062] Network health monitor Module—Software the enables monitoring ofthe local network.

[0063] Sign Synchronization Pulse Module—Software for generating a pulsethat is transmitted over the network to synchronize the playback on aset of DPU's so that they function in unison to present a single unifiedpresentation.

[0064] DPU firmware update Module—Software that enables the updating ofthe application and/or operating system software that runs on allresident DPU's.

[0065] External I/O Module—Software that associates shows with externalevents.

[0066] Digital Playback Units

[0067]FIG. 2 is an exploded view of exemplary digital playback unit 132.The illustrated digital playback unit 132 is an individual display unitthat has the capability of operating as a stand-alone unit or operatingin combination with other digital playback units to form a largerdisplay. These digital playback units may be arrayed in any of a varietyof configurations to present shows comprising one or more forms of mediaincluding, for example, graphics, digital video, and text.

[0068] In the illustrated embodiment, each digital playback unitincludes a graphic display device such as, for example, a thin-mullionLCD panel 202. The LCD panel 202 is amplified by a backlight panel 204.LCD panel 202 is driven by a single-board computer 206, and all elementsof the DPU are enclosed within a housing 208.

[0069] Single-board computer 206 preferably includes at least oneprocessor, memory, file storage, display processing, networking, andother electronics necessary for storage, playback and display of varioustypes of digital graphic imagery. DPU 132 may also contain an audiosub-system (not shown) for storage and playback of audio programmaterial. The audio sub-system may be either built-in to DPU 132 or asan accessory to be attached to the unit.

[0070] Preferably, the storage capacity of DPU 132 is adequate forstoring an entire presentation. The playback circuitry reproduces anaudio/video presentation with precise timing generated over a localnetwork by the local controller. Because content can be presented inmany different formats, the playback function is preferably implementedby a CPU assisted with hardware accelerator for computationallyintensive tasks.

[0071] Thermal and environmental challenges are overcome by separatingthe heat generating appliances of the digital playback unit intoindividual compartments, and providing an airspace, such as airspaces210 and 212 between each compartment. The compartments are specificallydesigned to transfer or thermally conduct the heat of the appliancesand/or components contained within them into the airspace. The heat isthen transferred into the air in the airspace and is carried away via asystem of integrated supply and exhaust ducts, such as vent 214. Ofcourse, in colder environments, externally provided warm air may beconducted into the airspaces to maintain a minimum operatingtemperature.

[0072] Digital playback unit 132 contains certain software for thenetwork management, scheduled playback and display of the informationspecific to the display. Each digital playback unit is self-containedand may operate independently or in synchronization with others. Tosupport the functionality described throughout this application, eachDPU may include the following software sub-components:

[0073] Playback Software—Software enabling playback of media and showdata.

[0074] Self Discovery Response client—Software assisting in thediscovery of sign geometry.

[0075] Brightness Control Client—Software which responds to a systembrightness command and which controls the DPU's brightness.

[0076] Digital Playback Unit Status and Failure Client—Software thatexecutes in the event of system failure or lack of networkingcommunication

[0077] System synchronization response client—Software that responds toa synchronization pulse transmitted by local controller 112.

[0078] Sync Response File—File distributed to DPU by local controller112 which contains information about how the DPU should respond to aparticular sync pulse and how it should respond to failures, such asmissing a sync pulse.

[0079] In the illustrated embodiment, each digital playback unit isconfigured to communicate not only with the local controller, but alsowith each of the other digital playback units of the display array. ThisDPU-DPU communication is advantageous for troubleshooting and handlingfailure conditions in the event of a local controller failure. In analternate embodiment, the functionality of the local controller could beaccomplished by a master digital playback unit.

[0080] Display Array

[0081] The digital playback units of the present invention, such asdigital playback units 132, 134, 136, 138, 140 and 142, may be groupedto form a display array, such as display array 114 shown in FIG. 3A. Inthe illustrated embodiment, display array 114 includes frame 300. Inalternate embodiments, the digital playback units of a display array maybe arranged without a frame to form a display array.

[0082] Frame 300 is a grid or enclosure that provides structural supportfor the enclosed digital playback units. Frame 300 may function as astand alone display, or it may transmit the weight of the individualdigital playback units to another support structure, such as an interiorwall in a building. In alternate embodiments, a display array mayinclude a frame that serves to duct air and wire and may not serve as aload bearing structure.

[0083] The digital playback units are mounted in frame 300 such thateach digital playback unit may be easily installed and replaced bypersonnel without technical training. For example, each digital playbackunit may slide into a hinged portion of frame 300, and connect tocommunication lines embedded within frame 300 via one or more lowinsertion force or other connectors. Such communication lines may beelectrical or optical in nature.

[0084] Frame 300 does not include a rear covering, although in alternateembodiments, such a covering may be provided. The digital playback unitsof display array 114 are configured to communicate with local controller112 to receive media, show data, schedule data, software updates andcontrol information. The digital playback units of display array 114 arepreferably configured to communicate among themselves in the event thatthe communication link between the local controller and one or moredigital playback units malfunctions.

[0085] Referring now to FIG. 3B, an exploded view of display array 114is illustrated. As shown, frame 300 is a modular frame comprisingvertical members such as vertical member 302, horizontal members such ashorizontal member 304, and nodes connecting the vertical and horizontalmembers, such as T node 306, corner node 308 and cross node 310. Eachmodular element of frame 300 is designed to interconnect with otherelements to enable configuration of display arrays of various sizes andshapes.

[0086] Each modular element of frame 300 may form one or more interiorheat management channels. Each element of modular frame 300 may furtherinclude embedded communication lines to transmit power, data or othersignals to/from one or more digital playback device.

[0087] Referring now to FIG. 3C, there is illustrated one possibleintegrated heat management configuration of frame 300. To accomplish theillustrated heat management, the vertical elements, horizontal elementsand nodes of frame 300 may be formed to define two chambers, one whichcarries cool supply air from the surrounding space or an air coolingunit, and one which contains heated air exhausted from the digitalplayback units and/or other devices within frame 300. To increase theheat transfer efficiency, cool supply air is kept segregated from warmexhaust air. Of course, such air flow may be reversed where the displayarray is mounted in a frigid environment, thereby maintaining a minimumoperating temperature.

[0088] In addition to forming air flow channels, the elements of frame300 may include other accessories to enhance or improve the heatmanagement functionality. For example, in one alternate embodiment, anelement may include an embedded fan to promote airflow. In anotheralternate embodiment, an element may include a filter to preventcontamination of the digital playback units by supply air. In yetanother alternate embodiment, an element may be formed to enableconnection to an external air conditioning source.

[0089] In order to enhance or improve the performance of anycommunication lines embedded within frame 300, elements of frame 300 mayalso include certain accessories, such as a power module for receivingexternal power or a LAN module for connecting to the local controller,for example.

[0090] It should be understood that frame 300 is not limited tosupporting only digital playback units. Frame 300 may also contain otherdevices that allow the input and output of digital information into thenetwork that is generated/read through sensors and/or other input/outputdevices either mounted internally or externally to the display. Audioamplifiers and/or speakers may also be supported by frame 300 toplayback audio program material.

[0091]FIG. 3D illustrates in greater detail certain advantageousfeatures of the modular components comprising the upper left segment offrame 300. In this view, for example, it is illustrated that eachmodular frame component is designed to interconnect using a snap orfriction fit and may form an air duct for conducting warm or cool air.Cross node 310 includes two horizontal air ducts. Corner node 308 and Tnode 312 include integrated fans 314 and 316, respectively for expellingwarm air from frame 300. Horizontal member 304 forms several vents fordirecting air flow across digital playback unit 132. Of course, otherembodiments of such modular components are contemplated.

[0092] FIGS. 4A-4C illustrate various frameless display arrays supportedby the present invention. FIG. 4A illustrates display arrays of thepresent invention need not be limited to rectangular shapes. FIG. 4Billustrates that the digital playback devices comprising a display arraymay overlap one another, providing a three-dimensional effect. FIG. 4Cillustrates that the digital playback units of the present inventionneed not be adjacent to form a display array.

[0093] The use of the modular digital playback units to comprise adisplay array provides several significant advantages over the videowalls of the prior art.

[0094] The display area of the display array of the present invention iscomprised of a number of modular DPU's that are arrayed and collectivelymake up the full display area. This allows for the graphics and/or otherinformation to be divided up or “sliced” into pieces or segments andstored in files specific only to these areas or segments. Only thedigital information specific to each segment is stored and processed onthe DPU associated with that segment.

[0095] Unlike the video walls of the prior art, as a display array ofthe present invention is scaled larger, the resolution of the display,the number of pixels per inch, remains constant. This allows displays ofall sizes, including very large displays, to maintain the samehigh-resolution characteristics. By arraying and assigning theprocessors and memory in this fashion, it allows for more effectivestorage and display of higher resolution imagery than with othersolutions.

[0096] Since each DPU is self contained with the necessary hardware andsoftware for playback, these modular units can be arrayed (or tiled)next to each other in any number of units to create any size display.There is no theoretical limit to size or shape as with other solutions.

[0097] The modular design of the displays allow for very creativeapplications that are not provided by other solutions. Displays can becreated in various two dimensional aspect ratios and shapes. Displayscan also be configured in various three dimensional shapes—even wrappedaround columns etc. DPU's can be staggered in front/behind each otherand overlapped as well.

[0098] In contrast to other solutions, outboard processors or playbackdevices are not required, the only space requirement for the display isthe display itself.

[0099] The self-contained modular approach greatly reduces theinstallation complexity associated with other solutions. Standardvoltage AC power and a common network wire are all that is required foreach display. There are no external processors or playback devicesneeded to be connected and programmed. The embedded software andhardware contained in each DPU is designed to be auto initializing andauto start-up on power-up. There is no alignment or adjustment needed aswith other solutions.

[0100] Due to the modular approach, any DPU failures that occur willonly affect the area or quadrant relative to that DPU. The loss of anentire display or even a substantial portion of the display would behighly unlikely. Failures with other solutions are more likely to affectthe entire display.

[0101] In the event of any failure with a DPU, non-technical personnelneed only to swap out the troubled DPU with a spare or new unit. Thereis no troubleshooting required. The small size and weight make it veryeasy and affordable to simply ship the troubled DPU to a service centerfor repair and return of the unit.

[0102] The processing power achieved by the modular approach allowsrendering and compositing of various layers and elements within thecontent to be done by the DPU's. Thus, with any updates to specificelements within the content that do not effect other elements, only theaffected elements need to be distributed and not the entire file. Thiscan greatly reduce the file size and therefore the cost and/orefficiency of distributing content updates compared with other solutionswith similar resolutions.

[0103] Distributing a Presentation

[0104] Referring now to FIG. 5, a flowchart is presented illustrating anexemplary methodology for distributing a presentation in accordance withthe present invention. Methodology 500 describes the distribution ofmedia and show data from data center 108 to individual DPU's. At block502, distribution management software running on the data center 108establishes a connection with local controller 112. In alternateembodiments, local controller 112 may establish the connection of block502. Upon establishing a successful connection, media, show data andschedule data are downloaded to local controller 112 from data center108. Optionally, DPU firmware and local controller software may also bedownloaded.

[0105] At block 504, local controller 112 uploads audit datarepresenting system status or health, audit data associated withprevious show playback, and other diagnostic data accumulated since thelast connection. After data is exchanged between data center 108 andlocal controller 112, local controller 112 identifies media, show dataand schedule data associated with each DPU, as shown by block 506. Inorder to present a complete image at a display array, each DPU needs topresent a different segment of the complete presentation, based on thelocation of the DPU relative to the other DPU's in the associateddisplay array.

[0106] The identification of the appropriate media and show data foreach DPU may be accomplished in a static manner using predeterminedaddresses or in a dynamic manner by establishing a relationship betweenthe address of a DPU and its relative location. Such dynamic addressingmay be accomplished using data generated by a self discovery module.

[0107] Upon distributing the appropriate data to each DPU at step 508,local controller 112 accesses a sign management file at block 510 todetermine the time to initiate playback of the distributed show(s). TheDPU's of a display array are synchronized at block 512, and playback ofthe show is initiated in a unified fashion.

[0108] DPU Synchronization

[0109] In order to ensure a unified presentation, all of the digitalplayback units comprising a display array should be synchronized. In theillustrated embodiment, such synchronization is accomplished by localcontroller 112 broadcasting a sync pulse to all of the digital playbackunits comprising a display array. In the illustrated embodiment, thesync pulse is a network broadcast UDP time stamp command to each of thedigital playback units of the display array, and each digital playbackunit is programmed to respond based on the command content and therelative location of the digital playback unit within the display array.

[0110] To accomplish the synchronization in the illustrated embodiment,local controller 112 employs a sign management file received from datacenter 108. The sign management file may be a zipped data file, createdat data center 108, which resides on local controller 112. The signmanagement file contains the following information, which is used by thelocal controller to make decisions:

[0111] Networking (IP) information of all resident digital playbackunits in associated display arrays.

[0112] Call-back information so that the local controller may determinehow to contact the data center.

[0113] Cueing information—Information that dictates when, how, and forhow long a show needs to run and what sync pulses, or commands, need tobe generated to achieve that goal.

[0114] How a sign should respond to external data generated by a signaccess module (“SAM”).

[0115] Master priority list—Which DPU will take over in the case of alocal controller failure.

[0116] Failure Response information—Scripting that dictates how a signshould respond to a given percentage of DPU failures. For example,instructions directing DPU performance in the event 30% of the DPU's ina display array fail.

[0117] Failure Discovery Scripting—Scripting controlling how the localcontroller and all associated digital playback units should proceed inthe case of a failure.

[0118] Sync Response files for each DPU in a display array.

[0119] In addition to the sign management file, local controller 112 mayemploy a self-discovery/assignment module to accomplish synchronizationof DPU's. The self-discovery/assignment module is software that enablesand/or assists DPU's comprising a display array to determine thegeometry of the display array, and/or the address and relative physicallocation of each DPU in the display array. In other embodiments, astatic IP address for each DPU may be predetermined and incorporatedinto the show data.

[0120] Each digital playback unit of a display array employs anassociated sync response file containing DPU-specific data which iscreated at data center 108. A set of sync response files are packagedinside of the zipped sign management file and each sync response file isdelivered to the appropriate DPU by the local controller. The contentsof each sync response file are tailored to the address of the digitalplayback unit for which the file is intended and to the addresses of theother digital playback units in the same display array. The syncresponse file contains the following information:

[0121] Priority information for the particular DPU—an indication ofwhich DPU will take over in case of a local controller failure

[0122] Networking information of all other digital playback units andthe local controller in the system

[0123] Response data used by the sync response module to playback datain sync with other digital playback units. For example, if the localcontroller generates sync pulse command ‘q’ then the sync responsemodule looks in this table and responds by executing the command boundto ‘q’—possibly play file ‘q’.

[0124] Failure mode response information—Instructions directing the DPUhow to respond to failures at the DPU or local controller level.

[0125] Instructions directing the DPU how to respond to a failure modecommand issued by local controller.

[0126] In addition to the sync response data file, each digital playbackunit employs a sync response module which is software that monitors andresponds to sync pulse commands according to the sync response file.

[0127]FIGS. 6A and 6B illustrate one methodology for processing a syncpulse from a local controller and synchronizing a set of digitalplayback units associated with a display array to provide a unifiedpresentation. According to the methodology, a digital playback unitreceives a sync response file from the local controller (block 602). Thedigital playback unit stores the sync response file into memory (block604) and executes the sync response module which directs the digitalplayback unit to wait for a broadcasted sync pulse to be received fromthe local controller (block 606). Upon receiving a broadcasted syncpulse from the local controller (block 608), the sync pulse is processedbased on the instructions within the sync response file associated withthe embedded command, as shown in FIG. 6B. In the event the digitalplayback unit fails to receive a sync pulse within a prescribed timelimit, the digital playback unit is directed to execute a localcontroller failure mode process (block 610). The local controllerfailure mode process is described in greater detail with reference toFIGS. 8A-8B, below.

[0128] As shown in FIG. 6B, the local controller may issue sync pulsecommands for a variety of purposes, including, for example:

[0129] To identify the start or restart of a show.

[0130] To identify the end of a show.

[0131] To force the display array into a failure mode.

[0132] To transmit new content to the digital playback units.

[0133] To force the display array to go black.

[0134] To check the status of the digital playback unit and/or displayarray.

[0135] To reboot the system.

[0136] As shown in FIG. 6B, each digital playback unit is responsiblefor acknowledging receipt of any sync pulse broadcast by the localcontroller. Such acknowledgement may include the address of theresponding digital playback unit. The local controller uses thisacknowledgement information to determine if the system and/or displayarray is operationally sound and if each DPU has started its process asdirected by the sync pulse. In some cases, one or more digital playbackunits may fail to provide such an acknowledgement, indicating that thedigital playback unit or the connection between the digital playbackunit and the local controller may be faulty. Upon failing to receive theappropriate acknowledgements, the local controller may execute adiscovery process to determine the cause for the lack of response.

[0137]FIGS. 7A and 7B illustrate a methodology for identifying andhandling such failures. If a local controller fails to receive anacknowledgement response form one or more digital playback units (block702), the local controller rebroadcasts the sync pulse (block 704). Ifall digital playback units respond to the rebroadcast sync pulse, thereis no longer a failure, and the failure mode process terminates (block706).

[0138] If one or more digital playback units fail to respond to therebroadcast sync pulse, the local controller attempts to communicatewith each digital playback unit individually (block 708). If eachdigital playback unit responds, the local controller retransmits thesync response file associated with the originally non-responsive digitalplayback unit (block 710) and resets all associated digital playbackunits (block 712). The local controller implements the methodology ofFIGS. 7A-7B based on the contents of the sign management file. Theillustrated methodology is merely exemplary of the courses of actionwhich may be taken to identify and handle DPU failures. Consequently, ifother courses of action are desired, the alternate logic may be easilydefined in the sign management file.

[0139] If the local controller fails to connect to each digital playbackunit individually, the local controller waits for a predetermined periodand retries the individual connection (blocks 714 and 716). If the localcontroller is able to connect to each digital playback unit on thesecond attempt, each malfunctioning digital playback unit is rebooted(block 718) and the sync pulse is rebroadcast.

[0140] In the event that one or more digital playback units fail torespond to the second attempt of the local controller to individuallyconnect, the local controller broadcasts a sync pulse indicating thatthe display array is in failure mode (block 720). The local controllerthen tracks all errors and reports them to the data center (block 722),and awaits instructions from the data center.

[0141] In some cases, the local controller may fail. The digitalplayback units of the exemplary system are equipped to identify such afailure and continue operating as a unified display array by relying onan assigned lead digital playback unit to take over the synchronizationresponsibilities of the local controller in the event of a failure.FIGS. 8A-8B depict one methodology for identifying and handling a localcontroller failure. In the event that all digital playback unitsdetermine that the local controller has failed, but that all digitalplayback units are operational and in communication with each other, theDPU with the highest priority (as determined by location and syncresponse file) will take over the role of generating the sync pulse toall digital playback units in the display array.

[0142] The illustrated methodology is processed in the event that adigital playback unit fails to receive a sync pulse from the localcontroller (block 802). To test the connection between the digitalplayback unit and the local controller, the digital playback unittransmits a ping to the local controller (block 804). If the digitalplayback unit receives data from the local controller in response to theping, the digital playback unit is rebooted and directed to await thenext sync pulse (block 806). The error is logged and the failure mode isexited.

[0143] If the digital playback unit fails to receive any data from thelocal controller in response to the ping, the digital playback unitattempts to communicate with the other digital playback units of thedisplay array. (block 808). If the digital playback unit fails toestablish communication with the other digital playback units of thedisplay array, the digital playback unit enters a state described init's sync response file (block 810) and opens a recovery socket (block812).

[0144] If communication with the other digital playback units isestablished, the digital playback unit determines whether it isconsidered the lead digital playback unit assigned the highest priority.If it is not assigned the lead digital playback unit, a recovery port isopened (block 816) and the digital playback unit listens for a syncpulse from the lead digital playback unit (block 818). The error islogged (block 820), and the digital playback unit continues to operateby responding to sync pulses generated by the lead digital playbackunit.

[0145] If the digital playback unit is the lead digital playback unitfor the display array, the digital playback unit loads lead syncinformation from the sync response file (block 822). The digitalplayback unit assumes the role of the local controller (block 824) andopens a recovery port to the other digital playback units (block 826).The local controller transmits the sync pulse (block 828) as necessaryand continues processing as the lead digital playback unit.

[0146] Although the invention has been described in terms of specificembodiments and applications, persons skilled in the art can, in lightof this teaching, generate additional embodiments without exceeding thescope or departing from the spirit of the claimed invention.Accordingly, it is to be understood that the drawing and description inthis disclosure are proffered to facilitate comprehension of theinvention, and should not be construed to limit the scope thereof.

What is claimed is:
 1. A digital playback device comprising: a housing;a display device supported by the housing; and a self-contained computerin communication with the display device, the computer disposed withinthe housing and positioned relative to the display device to define athermal airspace between the display device and the computer, thecomputer including: at least one processor; a volatile memory; anon-volatile memory; video data representing a visual presentationstored within the persistent memory; and control logic operative tocontrol playback of the visual presentation.
 2. The digital playbackdevice of claim 1, wherein the computer is disposed within an enclosure.3. The digital playback device of claim 1, further comprising: abacklight disposed between the display device and the computer, thebacklight positioned relative to the display device and the computer todefine a first thermal airspace between the display device and thebacklight and a second thermal airspace between the backlight and thecomputer.
 4. The digital playback device of claim 1, wherein the housingand the display device partially enclose the computer.
 5. The digitalplayback device of claim 1, wherein the housing and the display devicesubstantially enclose the computer, the housing defining at least oneaperture to enable dissipation of heat generated by the computer.
 6. Thedigital playback device of claim 1, wherein the display device is an LCDscreen.
 7. The digital playback device of claim 1, wherein the displaydevice is an LED screen.
 8. The digital playback device of claim 1,wherein the display device is a rear projection screen.
 9. The digitalplayback device of claim 1, wherein the display device is a plasmamonitor.
 10. The digital playback device of claim 1, wherein thecomputer further includes audio data representing an audio presentationstored within the persistent memory and an audio subsystem operative toplayback the audio presentation.
 11. The digital playback device ofclaim 7, further including a network communication subsystem, thecontrol logic further operative to manage communications between thedigital playback device and an external controller, and wherein theaudio data is received from the external controller via the networkcommunication subsystem.
 12. The digital playback device of claim 1,further including schedule data representing a schedule for playing thevideo presentation, and wherein the control logic is operative to directplayback of the video presentation based on the schedule data.
 13. Thedigital playback device of claim 12, further including a networkcommunication subsystem, the control logic being further operative tomanage communications between the digital playback device and anexternal controller, and wherein the schedule data is received from theexternal controller via the network communication subsystem.
 14. Thedigital playback device of claim 1, wherein the control logic is furtheroperative to synchronize the playback of the video presentation with atleast one other digital playback device.
 15. The digital playback deviceof claim 14, wherein the control logic employs internally generated timeinformation.
 16. The digital playback device of claim 14, wherein thecontrol logic employs externally generated time information.
 17. Thedigital playback device of claim 1, further including a networkcommunication subsystem, and wherein the control logic is furtheroperative to manage communications between the digital playback deviceand an external controller.
 18. The digital playback device of claim 17,wherein the video data is received via the network communicationsubsystem.